River Heads to K’gari ferry: check-in, parking and transfers

Start with the confirmed destination terminal

SeaLink’s timetable checked for 26 September 2026 shows River Heads–Kingfisher Bay services. Wanggoolba Creek appears in the timetable interface, but no sailings were shown for that landing on the selected date. Confirm your date directly with SeaLink if your itinerary depends on another landing.

Kingfisher Bay is a western-side resort arrival. A walk-on ticket does not provide a tour to inland lakes or the eastern beach; arrange the onward activity separately. Island sand-track driving requires a suitable high-clearance 4WD and the relevant permit.

River Heads reception and check-in

SeaLink publishes its mainland reception at 54 Ariadne Street, River Heads. Use the current booking confirmation and onsite signs rather than navigating only to the shoreline. For Kingfisher Bay services, the operator asks passengers to check in at least 30 minutes before departure and directs vehicles into marked lanes.

Allow additional road time from Hervey Bay for traffic, refuelling, luggage, children and unfamiliar check-in. A timetable departure is not an arrival-at-reception time.

Vehicle passengers

Book the correct vehicle dimensions and passenger count, then follow the operator’s loading instructions. Secure loose items and declare trailers or non-standard dimensions accurately. On K’gari, vehicle access permits and road rules are separate from the ferry booking.

Reconfirm the sailing because tide and operational conditions can affect times. Do not build an immediate mainland appointment around the advertised return minute.

The published standard 4WD fare, for vehicles up to 6 metres, starts at A$135.30 one way, with extra passengers from A$5. Price the return and any trailer separately; the booking total is the final quote.

Walk-on passengers and parking

SeaLink publishes mainland parking at River Heads for walk-on passengers. Confirm the current parking product, opening access, luggage arrangement and transfer from the island terminal to the actual accommodation or activity.

A ferry ticket alone may not solve the onward journey. Ask whether the resort, tour or host meets the sailing and whether late changes are communicated directly.

Published walk-on return fares start at A$85 for adults and A$48 for children aged 4–17; under-fours travel free. Two adults and two children in that age band start at A$266 for return ferry travel alone.

Luggage that cannot stay with you carries a published charge of A$15 per item one way or A$25 return; Kingfisher Bay Resort house guests are exempt. Confirm bag handling before buying.

Accessibility and assistance

Contact SeaLink before booking with the exact mobility device, transfer assistance, vehicle and toileting needs. Ask about the continuous route from parking through check-in, boarding, the vessel and the destination landing. Conditions and vessel assignment matter more than a generic accessible label.

The return journey

Save the return sailing, check-in location and operator contact offline. Reconfirm if conditions or plans change, arrive within the instructed window and leave a buffer before flights, coaches or long drives. The published crossing is about 45 minutes, but the full journey includes check-in, loading and onward travel.